FORMER MARKETING EXECUTIVE CHARGED

THE former chief executive of marketing body Surfers Paradise Alliance (SPA) will face court on March 14 after she was charged by Gold Coast Police with 10 counts of stealing yesterday afternoon.

Rowena Howe (pictured) left the organisation 12 months ago citing personal reasons, but during her three-year tenure it is alleged she siphoned up to $200,000 to a company with which she was connected.

Police confirmed the charges relate back to 2010. Howe was replaced by Mike Winlaw in March 2011, who has since spearheaded a number of positive initiatives in the Surfers Paradise precinct.